My name is Kate Vogelsang, and I founded Birdsong Consultancy in 2016. I have more than 25 years experience of making a difference in public sector communications, alongside and working with some great people.
I have worked in communications, digital, marketing and PR all my career. It’s what I’m good at. And what I love, and really care about, is public services.
Making a difference is incredibly important to me. My values drive what I do. Enabling equality of opportunity. Putting community -and people - at the heart of decision making.
I am a communications strategist and a project manager. I’m skilled and experienced in understanding and analysing complex issues and planning and organising a communications approach to deliver successful outcomes. In short: I write communications strategies and plans, and get things done.
I founded Birdsong after making the move to not just leave full time work in local government, but also London, where I had spent all my working life. I moved to Durham, and am now based there, in a small pit village just outside the city centre.
Birdsong comes from my surname, Vogelsang; it’s the translation from German, and is a nod to my family in Hanover of a few generations ago.
Working with me as a freelancer you’ll get the benefits of not only my years of experience, but also my flexibility. I don’t do Monday to Friday, 9-5, I’ll work when (and where) you need me. As a qualified football coach, I know the importance of team work. I’ll bring people along with me on any project. As a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) I am bound by their code of conduct. The professional standards of integrity, honesty and respect underpin all of the work I do.
My background includes working as a Head of Communications for a local authority in London, managing a multi-disciplinary team and leading on engagement for a multi-million pound regeneration scheme in the area, and working closely with politicians, partners and associate businesses. I also currently work in the NHS in Newcastle, supporting GP practices across the city and was a part of the team delivering more than 275,000 Covid vaccinations.
Read more about recent projects and My Work to give you an idea of how I can help you.
“Kate knows public sector communications inside and out. She has a very clear understanding of the challenges inherent in bringing communities together through focused marketing campaigns; and in encouraging socially beneficial behaviours. Kate’s instant rapport with people and her ability to think on her feet makes her an excellent choice for collaborative workshops, focus groups and creative brainstorming”
“Creative, passionate and innovative, Kate is a digital expert and enthusiast with a rare set of complementary skills that make her a genuine all-rounder. She has experience/knowledge in the tactical elements of campaigning, media, marketing and public affairs, and brings strategic nous and political acumen to the table with it”
With thanks to the lovely Gavin Forster for the photography